ES Reddy honoured in verse

A FESTSCHRIFT in honour of ES Reddy, who led the UN campaign against apartheid, was launched last week.

Enuga Sreenivasulu Reddy, known to his comrades and friends as “ES” Reddy, was a diplomat, scholar, historian, librarian, archivist, activist and campaigner.

He was active in the support of the South African freedom movement for more than half a century and played a central role in promoting international sanctions against the country.

He had been the secretary of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid and then the director of the UN Centre against Apartheid until his retirement.

On April 27, 2013, he was awarded the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo (Silver) by former president Jacob Zuma.

This is an award granted by the president of the Republic of South Africa to foreign citizens who have promoted the country’s interests and aspirations through cooperation, solidarity and support.

Reddy died in November 2020 at his home in the US.

Five months prior to his passing, Reddy participated in a webinar hosted by the 1860 Heritage Centre.

Participants of the webinar agreed to contribute to the Festschrift, a volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial especially to a scholar, and these are found in this collection of essays paying tribute to the monumental achievements of Reddy.

The book, edited by Jairam Reddy and Selvan Naidoo, includes contributions from President Cyril Ramaphosa, Jairam Reddy, Ramachandra Guha, Mongane Wally Serote, Ela Gandhi, Betty Govinden, Latha Reddy, Kalpana Hiralal, Mina Reddy, Selvan Naidoo, Kiru Naidoo, Nirode Bramdaw, Sam Ramsamy and Anil Nauriya.

Jairam Reddy will launch the book at the United Nations.